APGA, APC supporters clash in Anambra community over pulled-down billboard

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Supporters of the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra clashed on Friday in Nri community.

The confrontation turned violent and resulted in the destruction of billboards belonging to both parties.

The conflict arose from events held by the two parties in the community over the weekend. While APGA supporters, led by a well-known lawyer named Ezeafia, were hosting APGA candidate Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Senator Uche Ekwunife, running mate to APC candidate Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, was also entertaining their supporters.

Tensions flared when APC supporters accused APGA members of tearing down their party’s billboards.

The situation escalated into violence, prompting the Anambra State Police Command to intervene.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson, said in a statement that the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, stepped in and summoned the involved parties to his office.

Ikenga said: “The Anambra State Police Command swiftly intervened and restored calm following a report of a political squabble at Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area, during a political campaign rally.

“The incident reportedly arose after supporters of a political party allegedly pulled down three campaign billboards belonging to another party, leading to a brief disturbance in the area.

“Parties involved in the matter were immediately invited for a peace meeting aimed at de-escalating the tension. However, a mutual agreement was reached to replace the removed billboards without delay, despite claims that the removal was due to non-payment of signage fees.

“Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu has urged political actors and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the ambit of the law. He further directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Political Desk to uphold the already resolved pact by the parties or otherwise, for a more discreet investigation.”

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